Which of the following describes the three states of matter?

The three states of matter are solid, liquid, and gas. Solids have a definite shape and volume due to the closely packed arrangement of their particles, which vibrate in place but do not move freely. Liquids have a definite volume but take the shape of their container, as the particles are close together but can move past one another. Gases have neither a definite shape nor volume; the particles are far apart and move freely, filling the entirety of their container.

While other choices might refer to specific examples or other forms of matter, they do not accurately encompass the basic categories of matter. For example, ice is a solid form of water, and steam is water vapor, but they are specific instances rather than general states of matter. Therefore, the answer that includes "solid, liquid, and gas" correctly represents the primary states of matter.